Distinct variety of Poinsettia named H-527 Red

ABSTRACT

A Poinsettia plant named H-527 Red particularly characterized by its bright red bracts, long lasting bloom centers, long lasting keeping qualities, and large bloom size.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW PLANT

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar of Euphorbiapulcherrima known by the varietal name H-527 Red. The new cultivar is aradiation induced sport of the variety Dynasty (H518), U.S. Plant Pat.No. 6,150. The bracts of the new variety are a bright red against agreen foliage whereas Dynasty is a dark red against a bluish greenfoliage. The new variety is shorter than Dynasty with better branchingafter being pinched.

The new cultivar was discovered in May of 1985 in Sugar Run, Pa.; wasfirst asexually reproduced by cuttings shortly thereafter in Sugar Run,Pa. and has been repeatedly asexually reproduced by cuttings at SugarRun, Pa. Continued observations from the vegetative cuttings haveconfirmed that the distinguishing features of this new cultivar cometrue, remain stable and are retained through successive propagations.

The following traits are determined to be basic characteristics of thisnew cultivar which in combination distinguished this Poinsettia as newand distinct:

1. Eight and one-half week response time under black cloth.

2. Five to seven breaks after pinch.

3. May be grown single stem or pinch.

4. Top leaves are medium green.

5. Mature leaves are medium green.

6. Petioles are dark red.

7. Veins on top and bottom leaves shine; middle vein on leaves lightpinkish green.

8. Stem on bottom and top green and brownish red.

9. Bracts are bright red.

10. The center of the bloom is very long lasting.

11. Blooms have three layers of bracts, type flat.

12. 18-20 leaves have been counted on a fully developed pinch plantbloom.

13. The largest bloom size measured on a single stem of a pinch planthave been 12 inches in diameter.

14. Bracts range in size on a pinch plant from 3 cm. wide and 7 cm.long, to 8 cm. wide and 15 cm. long.

15. In normal blooming, the new cultivar shows color in October and isfully in bloom in the beginning of December.

16. Good for growing in the sun belt.

17. Plants ship well.

18. The new cultivar is resistant to fading and is long keeping, lastingthrough the Christmas season after showing color in October.

19. The plant height reaches 34 cm. to 40 cm. depending on the growingconditions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying photographic drawing illustrates the new cultivar, thecolor being as nearly true as possible with color illustrations of thistype.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW PLANT

The following detailed description sets forth the characteristics of thenew cultivar. The data which defines these characteristics werecollected from asexual reproductions carried out in Sugar Run, Pa. Theplant history was taken on eight and one-half week plants. The colorreading were determined under natural daylight at Sugar Run, Pa. ColorReferences are primarily to the R.H.S. Colour Chart of The RoyalHorticultural Society of London.

The plant:

Growth habit.--Very compact medium growth. After pinching, very freelybranching. Branches only in response to pinching.

Rooting.--Fast and even.

Blooming season.--Eight and one-half weeks. The diameter of the plantcan reach 40 cm. to 45 cm. in diameter.

Blooming habit.--l Medium bracts develop in treble rows; long lastingand can be grown under cool and warm conditions. Responds well underblack cloth.

Foliage:

Size.--From 7 cm. wide and 11 cm. long to 9 cm. wide and 13 cm. long.

Quantity.--Up to nine leaves per flowering stem; long lasting.

Color.--New Foliage -- Upper side, Green Group 137 B. Under side, GreenGroup 137 D. Old foliage -- Upper side, Green Group 137 B. Under side,Green Group 137 D. Leaf petiole -- Greyed-Purple Group 183 A.

Shape.--Oak and heart on pinched plant.

Texture.--Upper side is smooth, under side is rough because of veins.

Edge of margin.--Varied with the upper leaves approaching lobed, and thelower leaves approaching crenate.

Disease resistance.--Resistant to Botrytis.

Flower:

Borne.--A small tight corymb.

Quantity.--Eight per stem. Can be more or less, by 1-3, depending ongrowing conditions on a pinched plant. Each one has a nectary.

Color.--When mature, the color on Ovaries is Green Group 142 B and RedGroup 50 A. The nectar cups are Yellow Group 13 A.

Bracts:

Size.--3 cm. wide and 7 cm. long, to 8 cm. wide and 15 cm. long.

Quantity.--18 to 20 bracts.

Color.--Red Group 52 A.

Reproductive organs: Typical for Poinsettia cultivars.

Shape.--Flat, some heart but most oval with long point on ends.

Margin.--Wavy.

Veins.--Midrib to margin.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of Poinsettia plant as hereinshown and described, particularly characterized by its bright redbracts, long lasting bloom centers, long lasting keeping qualities, andlarge bloom size.